The Southern Colorado Literature Examiner asked Colorado authors which independent bookstores are the best in southern Colorado. One of the top reasons for recommending a bookstore was the willingness to carry and promote local authors. Other reasons for a recommendation included atmosphere and knowledgeable and personable owners and/or staff.
The Book Haven in Salida has a great atmosphere. Eduardo Rey Brommel says, “A big bookstore in small-town Colorado. Owned and staffed by certified book-philes. Good-dog friendly, free coffee/tea and munchies, chairs to read in, a huge honking window to watch the world go by. Easy to find, hard to forget.” Author, Susan J. Tweit has high praise for the new owner, Lisa Marvel, whom she claims, “is wildly creative, a true book lover, and a great bookseller.” In addition, they carry and promote local authors.
Author, Beth Groundwater, recommended both Black Cat Books in Manitou Springs and Beth Anne’s Book Corner, in Colorado Springs, because both owners are personable and promote local authors, “they'll schedule signings even when the author is published by a small or obscure press, they'll promote the signing with publicity and to customers beforehand, and they'll work hard to encourage customers to talk to the authors the day of the signings.”
Also recommended were Buckskin Booksellers in Ouray, which has a good selection, nice atmosphere, and they are supportive of local authors, according to author, Kent Nelson; The Narrow Gauge Newstand in Alamosa; Maria’s in Durango; and Silverstone in Westcliffe, which is very supportive of local authors, according to author, Nancy Oswald, “This woman has a local author's wall and what she sells bookwise[sic] is out of sheer love because she doesn't have the capacity to stock much.”
Surprisingly, a few authors put in a vote for Chinook’s, which is no longer in business, but was located in Colorado Springs. Fond memories brought out praise for the knowledgeable and caring staff that are all sorely missed. Were it still in business, Chinook’s would have fallen among the top three.